Low-cost, no-inventory ideas
- Print-on-demand apparel for a niche: nurses, anglers, coders. See print on demand.
- Custom pet portraits on canvas or mugs
- Digital planners and templates. See selling digital products.
- Lightroom presets or design assets
- Printable wall art
- Niche dropshipping store (e.g. home barista gear). See dropshipping guide.
- Online courses or workshops sold alongside products
Product brands
- Small-batch skincare. See beauty brands.
- Specialty coffee or tea
- Hot sauces and condiments. See selling food online.
- Sustainable household goods
- Pet treats and accessories
- Activewear for a specific sport. See clothing brands.
- Kids' educational toys
- Home fragrance and candles
Handmade and creative
- Jewelry. See handmade items.
- Ceramics and pottery
- Personalized gifts
- Art prints and originals
Recurring revenue
- Subscription boxes. See subscriptions.
- Replenishment products (razors, filters, supplements)
- Membership with exclusive drops
Other models
- Wholesale for local retailers. See B2B ecommerce.
- Curated vintage or resale. See Shopify vs eBay.
- Local delivery business (flowers, meal kits)
Compare startup costs
| Model | Startup cost | Margin potential |
|---|---|---|
| Digital products | $ | Very high |
| Print on demand | $ | Medium |
| Dropshipping | $–$$ | Low–medium |
| Product brand (own stock) | $$–$$$ | High |
| Subscriptions | $$ | High lifetime value |
Picked an idea? Follow our step-by-step guide to starting an online store.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest ecommerce business to start?
Print on demand and digital products have the lowest upfront cost and risk.
What ecommerce business is most profitable?
Businesses with high margins and repeat purchases, like consumables, subscriptions and digital products, tend to be the most profitable over time.